Welcome to the NSHS Cheer Parent & Athlete Agreement!

Please review the following information carefully with your athlete. This agreement outlines the expectations, policies, responsibilities, and commitments required for participation in the NSHS Cheer Program.

By completing and electronically signing this form, you and your athlete acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to follow the policies outlined in this agreement.

Please complete all required fields and submit the agreement once you have reviewed it in its entirety.

PRACTICE POLICY

Closed Practices

All NSHS Cheer practices are closed practices. Parents, friends, family members, and other outside individuals may not attend or observe practices unless specifically authorized by the coaching staff.

Closed practices allow athletes and coaches to maintain a focused, productive, and distraction-free training environment.

Outside Cheer Practices

NSHS Cheer athletes may not participate in outside, independent, or privately organized cheer practices involving NSHS Cheer material, routines, stunts, or team members unless the practice has been arranged or approved by the NSHS Cheer coaching staff.

This policy is in place to maintain consistency in coaching, technique, athlete safety, and team unity.

Attendance Requirements

Attendance at all scheduled practices, games, performances, and mandatory cheer-related events is required. Attendance expectations begin with the summer season and remain in effect through the completion of the football season, including postseason CCS games if applicable.

Absences include missed practices, games, performances, and any other required cheer-related activities or events, but are not limited to these activities.

All absences and tardies must be communicated directly to the coaching staff before the scheduled practice, game, performance, or event begins. Notifying the coaching staff of an absence or tardy does not automatically make it excused. The coaching staff will determine whether the reason provided qualifies as an excused absence or tardy.

Two instances of arriving 15 minutes or more late without receiving an excusal from the coaching staff prior to the scheduled activity will equal one unexcused absence.

1st Unexcused Absence:

The athlete will be benched for the entire first half and halftime performance of the next game. The athlete may begin cheering at the start of the 3rd quarter.

2nd Unexcused Absence:

The athlete will be benched for one full game, including the halftime performance.

3rd Unexcused Absence:

The athlete will be released from the NSHS Cheer Program. Their season will end at that time, and they will not be permitted to return to the team for the remainder of the season.

Removal from the team does not eliminate any outstanding financial obligations associated with participation in the cheer program.

WORK ETHIC & ATTITUDE POLICY

Athlete Expectations

NSHS Cheer athletes are expected to maintain a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and coachable demeanor at all practices, games, performances, and cheer-related events.

Being coachable means being willing to listen, accept corrections, make adjustments, follow directions, and give consistent effort even when an athlete is tired, frustrated, or being challenged.

Athletes are expected to:

• Give their best effort and actively participate.

• Follow all instructions and corrections given by the coaching staff.

• Respond respectfully when being coached or corrected.

• Refrain from eye-rolling, backtalk, arguing, defiance, or disrespectful behavior.

• Refrain from gossiping or creating unnecessary tension among teammates or coaches.

• Maintain an attitude that contributes positively to the team and does not interfere with practices, performances, or team morale.

Failure to Meet Expectations

Athletes who repeatedly demonstrate poor effort, an uncoachable attitude, disrespect, or behavior that negatively impacts the team may be subject to consequences determined by the coaching staff.

Being a member of NSHS Cheer requires athletes to contribute to a respectful, productive, and positive team environment throughout the entire season.

Athlete & Parent Acknowledgment

I acknowledge that I have read and understand the NSHS Cheer Work Ethic & Attitude Policy and understand the expectations for participation in the program.

Bullying, Harassment & Inappropriate Conduct

NSHS Cheer is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all athletes. Bullying, harassment, threats, intimidation, or other inappropriate conduct toward a teammate, coach, or individual affiliated with the program will not be tolerated.

This expectation applies both in person and online, including but not limited to:

• Practices, games, performances, and cheer-related events.

• School grounds and school-related activities.

• Social media, group chats, text messages, direct messages, and other forms of electronic communication.

• Posts, comments, photos, videos, or messages involving or directed toward members of NSHS Cheer.

• Other situations in which an athlete's conduct directly impacts the NSHS Cheer Program or its members.

  
  

Deleting a post, comment, message, photo, or video after it has been shared does not prevent the conduct from being addressed.

Athletes are expected to represent themselves, their team, and North Salinas High School with respect. Serious incidents of bullying, harassment, threats, or inappropriate conduct may result in immediate disciplinary action, including possible removal from the team, in accordance with school and athletic department policies.

Concerns involving bullying, harassment, threats, or athlete safety may also be referred to NSHS administration when appropriate.

Parent/Guardian Conduct & Expectations

Parents and guardians are an important part of the NSHS Cheer Program and are expected to contribute to a positive, respectful, and supportive team environment.

Parents/guardians are expected to:

• Communicate respectfully with coaches, athletes, other parents, school staff, and individuals associated with the program.

• Bring concerns directly to the coaching staff rather than discussing or escalating issues among athletes or other parents.

• Refrain from speaking negatively about individual cheerleaders, coaches, the team, or the program in a way that creates conflict or negatively impacts team morale.

• Refrain from participating in or encouraging gossip, bullying, harassment, threats, or inappropriate behavior involving athletes, coaches, or other families.

• Avoid involving athletes in adult disagreements or conflicts involving the cheer program.

• Support coaching decisions and address questions or concerns through the appropriate communication channels.

  
  

Parents/guardians are expected to be part of the solution when concerns arise and to help maintain a respectful environment for all athletes.

Parent/guardian behavior that significantly disrupts the team environment or violates these expectations may result in restrictions from participating in cheer-related activities, fundraisers, or other program events, in accordance with school and athletic department policies.

Serious or ongoing concerns involving parent/guardian conduct may be referred to NSHS administration and/or the Athletic Department.

ATTIRE, UNIFORM & APPEARANCE POLICY

Practice Attire

Athletes are expected to arrive at every practice properly dressed and prepared to participate.

• NSHS Cheer practice shirts must be worn to each practice once they have been issued.

• Black leggings, biker shorts, or appropriate athletic shorts with full coverage may be worn. No other colors are permitted unless otherwise directed by the coaching staff.

• Appropriate undergarments, including a sports bra or tank top when necessary, must be worn under loose-fitting garments.

• Proper lace-up athletic shoes must be worn to all practices and conditioning.

• No jewelry is permitted during practice. This includes earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and other jewelry.

• All tops and bottoms must provide appropriate coverage throughout physical activity.

• Spandex or fitted shorts are permitted as long as they provide full coverage and are an appropriate length.

• Coaching staff may require an athlete to change or add clothing if their attire does not meet practice or safety expectations.

• Athletes must remain in compliance with school and program dress expectations while participating in cheer activities.

Practice Hair

Hair must be worn in a sleek, low ponytail with a middle part unless otherwise directed by the coaching staff. Hair should be secured and hair sprayed as needed so athletes are not repeatedly fixing or playing with their hair during practice.

Athletes are expected to arrive at all games, performances, and cheer-related events in the complete uniform and appearance designated by the coaching staff.

• All required uniform pieces must be worn correctly and as instructed by the coaching staff.

• Athletes are considered out of uniform if they are missing any required item or are wearing the incorrect uniform piece, bow, ribbon, shoes, socks, or other required item.

• Athletes who arrive out of uniform may be required to sit out until they are in the correct and complete uniform.

• If you are unsure which uniform or accessories are required, bring all issued items with you.

• Poms are considered part of the uniform and must be brought to all games and performances when required. Athletes are responsible for keeping their poms clean, crisp, and in good condition.

• Athletes are responsible for keeping all uniform pieces clean and properly maintained throughout the season.

• Only designated cheer shoes may be worn while in uniform unless otherwise directed by the coaching staff.

• Cheer uniforms and warm-ups may not be worn to non-cheer functions or on non-designated days without permission from the coaching staff.

• Uniform pieces may not be mixed with regular clothing. Athletes must either be in the complete designated uniform or out of uniform.

• No part of an NSHS Cheer uniform may be loaned to or worn by a non-NSHS Cheer athlete.

Game Day Uniform & Appearance

Athletes are expected to arrive at all games, performances, and cheer-related events in the complete uniform and appearance designated by the coaching staff.

• All required uniform pieces must be worn correctly and as instructed by the coaching staff.

• Athletes are considered out of uniform if they are missing any required item or are wearing the incorrect uniform piece, bow, ribbon, shoes, socks, or other required item.

• Athletes who arrive out of uniform may be required to sit out until they are in the correct and complete uniform.

• If you are unsure which uniform or accessories are required, bring all issued items with you.

• Poms are considered part of the uniform and must be brought to all games and performances when required. Athletes are responsible for keeping their poms clean, crisp, and in good condition.

• Athletes are responsible for keeping all uniform pieces clean and properly maintained throughout the season.

• Only designated cheer shoes may be worn while in uniform unless otherwise directed by the coaching staff.

• Cheer uniforms and warm-ups may not be worn to non-cheer functions or on non-designated days without permission from the coaching staff.

• Uniform pieces may not be mixed with regular clothing. Athletes must either be in the complete designated uniform or out of uniform.

• No part of an NSHS Cheer uniform may be loaned to or worn by a non-NSHS Cheer athlete.

Conduct While in Uniform

When wearing an NSHS Cheer uniform, warm-up, or other official team apparel, athletes are representing North Salinas High School and the NSHS Cheer Program and are expected to conduct themselves appropriately and respectfully.

Athletes must maintain a professional image while in uniform. Inappropriate romantic or intimate behavior is not permitted while representing the program. This includes, but is not limited to, kissing, sitting on another person’s lap, hanging on one another, or other similar behavior that is not appropriate while representing the team.

Athletes are expected to be mindful of their language, actions, behavior, and interactions with others while in uniform or representing NSHS Cheer.

Whether at school, a game, performance, community event, or other cheer-related activity, athletes are expected to represent themselves, their team, and North Salinas High School in a positive and respectful manner.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY & FUNDRAISING

Financial Responsibility

Participation in NSHS Cheer includes financial obligations associated with the program. Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring that all required payments are made by the designated due dates provided by the coaching staff, school, or program.

Costs may include, but are not limited to, uniforms, practice gear, choreography, competition fees, and other required cheer-related expenses.

Families are responsible for financial commitments made on behalf of their athlete. If an athlete quits or is released from the team after items, services, registrations, or other non-refundable expenses have already been purchased or committed on their behalf, the parent/guardian remains responsible for those expenses.

Fundraising & Discounted Program Costs

The initial cost provided to each NSHS Cheer family already reflects a reduced program price based on the expectation that the team will participate in fundraising throughout the season.

NSHS Cheer is able to provide athletes with a lower overall package cost because the team fundraises collectively to help offset program expenses. Therefore, fundraising is an important part of maintaining the reduced cost provided to families.

Athletes and families are expected to participate in designated team fundraising efforts throughout the season.

If an athlete or family chooses not to participate in required fundraising opportunities, they may be responsible for paying the additional portion of program expenses that fundraising would otherwise have helped cover.

The discounted initial price should not be interpreted as the full actual cost of the athlete’s participation without fundraising. Families who do not participate in fundraising may therefore have an additional balance due.

Any additional amount owed will be based on program expenses and the fundraising support that would otherwise have been applied toward those costs.

Payment Requirements & Outstanding Balances

All required payments must be made in full by the designated due dates provided by the coaching staff, school, or program.

Parents/guardians are responsible for keeping track of payment deadlines and communicating with the coaching staff before a due date if there is an issue that may prevent a payment from being made on time.

Failure to make required payments by the designated deadlines may result in the following:

Uniform & Item Hold: Uniforms, apparel, accessories, or other cheer-related items that have not yet been distributed may be held until the required balance is paid, when permitted by school and district policy.

Outstanding Balance: Any unpaid balance will remain the financial responsibility of the parent/guardian. Leaving or being released from the team does not eliminate charges for items, services, registrations, or other non-refundable expenses already purchased or committed on behalf of the athlete.

Repeated Missed Payments: Repeated failure to make required payments or communicate regarding an outstanding balance may be referred to the appropriate school administration or Athletic Department for further action in accordance with school and district policies.

Families experiencing financial difficulty are expected to communicate before a payment deadline so that available options, if any, can be discussed.

FINAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT & AGREEMENT

By electronically signing below, I acknowledge that I have reviewed this agreement in its entirety with my athlete.

I understand the expectations, policies, attendance requirements, conduct standards, uniform requirements, financial responsibilities, and fundraising expectations associated with participation in NSHS Cheer.

I understand that participation in NSHS Cheer requires a commitment from both the athlete and parent/guardian and agree to follow the policies and expectations outlined in this agreement.

I understand that my electronic signature confirms my acknowledgment and agreement to the terms outlined in this NSHS Cheer Agreement.